Laparoscopic surgical device with flared tube

ABSTRACT

A surgical device comprising: (1) a handpiece having a distal end portion; (2) a tubular member extending from the distal end portion, the tubular member having a lumen therethrough, the lumen comprising: (a) a proximal lumen portion, (b) a distal lumen portion, (c) a first central lumen portion, and (d) a second central lumen portion, the second central portion being located between the proximal lumen portion and the first central lumen portion, wherein the distal lumen portion diverges as the distal lumen portion extends away from the first central lumen portion in a distal direction, and the second central lumen portion diverges as the second central lumen portion extends away from the first central lumen portion in a proximal direction and; wherein the tubular member has wall with a substantially uniform thickness about the first central lumen portion.

FIELD

The disclosure relates to a surgical device including a tubular memberwith a flared shape and more specifically to a tubular member of asurgical device with a flared shape at a distal end and a substantiallyuniform wall thickness.

BACKGROUND

Typically, laparoscopic surgical devices may have had to balancecompeting constraints. The tubular member should be small enough to passthrough a standard surgical cannula (not shown) or trocar, which areusually circular, yet should be as large as possible to provide as muchstrength and/or stiffness as possible. An unwanted consequence of theflaring of the distal end of the tube is that the distal end of the tubebecomes wider than the rest of the tube. Several solutions have beenused to try to maximize the diameter of the proximal section of the tubewhile minimizing the width of the distal end of the tubular member. Onesolution, is to flare out the distal end of the tube as necessary andcompromise the strength and inner space of the tubular member byreducing its size. Another solution is to retain the outer diameter ofthe tube and compromise the effectiveness of the flared surface bylimiting it to a very small flare or the very marginal improvement ofonly chamfering the distal interior edge. Yet another solution is toincrease the wall thickness greatly so that there is may be a generousflare while retaining tube strength; but compromising the overall weightof the device and reducing the inner space of the tubular member.

What is needed is a laparoscopic surgical device with a tubular memberhaving a distal end with a flared shape that does not increase theoverall diameter of the tubular member, nor require a heavy thick-walledtube. It would be attractive to have a tubular member with a flaredshape and a wall thickness of the tubular member is substantiallyuniform. What is needed is a central opening with a flare that opens,closes, or both an end effect or that extends out of the tubular member.

SUMMARY

In the current teachings there may be a section of the tubular memberbetween a proximal cylindrical section of the tubular member and thedistal section of the tubular ember that is necked down to a smallerdiameter than the proximal section. From this necked down section, thedistal section flares outward. In this way the distal end of the tube(tube and tubular member may be used interchangeably herein) may besmaller than if the flared shape were to come straight off the proximalsection of the tube; in fact the distal end may be smaller in diameterthan the proximal section. The entire tube may be fabricated from a thinwalled tube of uniform wall thickness. Manufacturing methods thatutilize thin-walled tubes with a uniform wall thickness, such as anextruded tube, may be employed. To reduce the magnitude of the contactforces and mitigate possible damage, in previous designs the tubularmember may be flared out (e.g., flare) the inner surface of the distalend of the tube so that the distal interior surface of the tube divergesaway from a central axis of the tube in a distal direction. Statedanother way, the tangent to the distal interior surface at the distalinterior edge diverges from the central axis of the tube in a distaldirection. The flare in the distal interior section in the presentteachings is, in general, configured such that when the end effect orarms are drawn into the tube the clamming surfaces on the arms contactthe distal interior surface and not the distal interior edge.

The disclosure meets one or more of the needs by providing: a surgicaldevice (10), comprising: (1) a handpiece having a handpiece distal end;(2) a tubular member extending from the handpiece distal end, thetubular member having a lumen therethrough, the lumen comprising: (a) aproximal lumen portion, (b) a distal lumen portion, (c) a first centrallumen portion, and (d) a second central lumen portion, the secondcentral portion being located between the proximal lumen portion and thefirst central lumen portion, wherein the distal lumen portion divergesas the distal lumen portion extends away from the first central lumenportion in a distal direction, and the second central lumen portiondiverges as the second central lumen portion extends away from the firstcentral lumen portion in a proximal direction and; wherein the tubularmember has wall with a substantially uniform thickness about the firstcentral lumen portion.

The present teachings provide a surgical device comprising: (1) ahandpiece including a distal end portion; (2) a tubular memberprotruding from the distal end portion of the handpiece, the tubularmember having: (a) a longitudinal axis, (b) a distal end; (c) a wallhaving a uniform wall thickness; and (d) a lumen; the lumen beingasymmetric and the lumen comprising: (A) a proximal interior surface,(B) a distal interior surface terminating at a distal interior edge; (C)a first central interior surface positioned between the proximalinterior surface and the distal interior surface, and wherein distalinterior surface at the distal interior edge converges towards thelongitudinal axis as the distal interior surface extends in a proximaldirection, and the first central interior surface has a central openinghaving a cross-section with an area that is smaller than an area of anycross-sections of the distal interior surface and smaller than an areaof any cross-section of the proximal interior surface.

The present teachings provide a surgical device comprising: (1) ahandpiece having a distal end portion; (2) a tubular member protrudingfrom the distal end portion of the handpiece, the tubular membercomprising: (a) a proximal section, (b) a distal section, (c) a firstcentral section located between the proximal section and the distalsection, and (d) a distal end, the distal end of the tubular memberhaving a distal interior edge with a first diameter, and distal exterioredge with a second diameter, the first central section having a firstcentral interior surface with a third diameter; and the proximal sectionhaving an proximal section exterior surface, the proximal sectionexterior surface being a cylinder having a fourth diameter; wherein thefirst diameter is greater than the third diameter, and the fourthdiameter is greater to the second diameter.

The present teachings provide: a tubular member for a surgical devicecomprising: a proximal section; having a proximal section interiorsurface and a proximal section exterior surface; a first central sectionhaving a first central section interior surface and a first centralsection wall; a distal section having: a distal interior edge and adistal exterior edge; wherein the tubular member is configured to bepositioned between a surgical handpiece and an end effect or; whereinthe diameter of the first central section interior surface is less thanthe diameter of the proximal section interior surface and the diameterof the distal interior edge; and the diameter of the proximal sectionexterior surface is greater than the diameter of the distal exterioredge.

The present teachings provide a laparoscopic surgical device with atubular member having a distal end with a flared shape that does notincrease the overall diameter of the tubular member, nor require a heavythick-walled tube. The present teachings provide a tubular member with aflared shape and a wall thickness of the tubular member is substantiallyuniform. The present teachings provide a central opening with a flarethat opens, closes, or both an end effect or that extends out of thetubular member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a surgical device of the present teachings having a tubularmember with two forceps arms in a first position.

FIG. 1A is a top view of the surgical device with a top cover removedand the operable mechanism in a first position.

FIG. 2 shows a surgical device of the present teachings having a tubularmember with two forceps arms in a second position.

FIG. 2A is a top view of the surgical device with a top cover removedand the operable mechanism in a second position.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of the tubular member of the presentteachings.

FIG. 4a show cross-section of the tubular member having a cylindricalcentral opening with a linear wall.

FIG. 4b shows a cross-section of the tubular member where a diameter ofa distal exterior edge and a diameter of the proximal section of thetubular member are substantially equal.

FIG. 4c shows a cross-section of the tubular member where a diameter ofa distal exterior edge is less than a diameter of the proximal sectionof the tubular member.

FIG. 4d shows fillets in the tubular member that form the centralopening.

FIG. 4e shows a chamfer in the distal exterior edge of the tubularmember.

FIG. 4f shows a chamfer in the distal interior edge of the tubularmember.

FIG. 5a shows a cross-section of the tubular member having an outwardlycurved distal interior surface.

FIG. 5b shows a cross-section of the tubular member having an inwardlycurved distal interior surface.

FIG. 5c shows a cross-section of the tubular member having an inwardlycurved distal interior surface having an inwardly curved segment, anoutwardly curved segment and a curvature inflection point.

FIG. 6 shows a tubular member of the present teachings with an endeffect or extending therethrough.

FIG. 7 shows a surgical device of the present teachings having aplurality of arms.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended toacquaint others skilled in the art with the teachings, its principles,and its practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt andapply the teachings in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to therequirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the specific embodimentsof the present teachings as set forth are not intended as beingexhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the teachingsshould, therefore, be determined not with reference to the abovedescription, but should instead be determined with reference to theappended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which suchclaims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references,including patent applications and publications, are incorporated byreference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as willbe gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporatedby reference into this written description.

The present teachings provide a surgical device. The present teachingsprovide a surgical device that may include a forceps device. Thesurgical device may have a handpiece, a tubular member, and an endeffecter extending from the distal end of the tubular member. Thesurgical device has a handle or actuator that moves relative to thehandpiece. The surgical device may by a handheld surgical device thatmay be intended to be held by the user, such as a surgeon, in one orboth hands during normal operation. The surgical device may be alaparoscopic surgical device, and the laparoscopic device may include anend effect or such as a laparoscopic forceps or laparoscopic scissors.

A typical laparoscopic surgical device may have a long cylindrical tube(e.g., tubular member) capable of being inserted through a trocar orcannula. The tubular member of the surgical device may be insertedthrough a trocar or cannula of a laparoscopic device or endoscopedevice. A portion of the surgical device may extend from a distal end ofthe trocar or cannula and the tubular member. Preferably, an end effector extends from the tubular member and the cannula or trocar. The trocaror cannula functions to assist the end effect or to be guided to alocation of interest and removed from the area of interest. Extendingfrom the distal end of the tubular member may be an end effect or thatcan be actuated to capture tissue, cut tissue, grip tissue, or acombination thereof. The proximal end of the tube may be attached to adistal end of the handpiece.

The handpiece may allow the user to hold the surgical device and toactuate user input controls that are converted by mechanisms heldinternal to the handpiece into specific surgical functions. Distal, orin a distal direction, means towards the intended patient and away fromthe user and proximal, or in a proximal direction, means away from theintended patient and towards the user. The handpiece may have a proximalend portion where is it is held by the user and a distal end portion.The tubular member, or shaft, may extend or project out of the distalend of the handpiece. The tubular member may be hollow and have a lumenthat extends through the length of the tubular member from a proximalopening at the proximal end to a distal opening at the distal end. Thetubular member may have a longitudinal axis that extends along thelength of the tubular member. The tubular member may be straight,curved, or bendable. The longitudinal axis, therefore, may be straightor curved. The tubular member may include a wall, or tube wall. On theouter surface of the wall is an exterior surface of the tubular memberand on the inner surface of the wall is the interior surface of thetubular member. The inner surface of the tubular member may create thelumen. The handpiece includes a proximal portion having a fixed handlethat a user may grip. The fixed handle assists a user in biasing anactuator.

The actuator may move relative to the fixed handle. The proximal portionmay include one or more actuators. The one or more actuators may actuateor bias one or more end effectors. The one or more actuators may actuateor bias the tubular member so that the one or more end effectors areactuated or biased by movement of the tubular member. The one or moreactuators may cause the tubular member, the end effect or, or both tomove relative to each other. The actuator may be move in a handleclosing direction, a handle opening direction, or both. The actuator inthe handle closing direction may move the end effect or to a secondposition or effect or closing direction. The actuator in the handleopening position may move the end effector to a first position or aneffector opening direction. The one or more actuators may actuate orbias one or more operable mechanisms that bias or actuate the tubularmember, the end effector, or both. The operable mechanism may push onthe tubular member, the end effector, or both. The operable mechanismmay pull the tubular member, the end effector, or both. The operablemechanism may be located in or between the proximal end portion, thedistal end portion, or both of the handpiece. The operable mechanism mayinclude a spring. The operable mechanism may push the tubular member,may pull on the end effector, pull on a shaft connected to the endeffector, or a combination thereof. The handpiece has an actuator toopen and close the end effector arms. The actuator drives an operablemechanism may comprise a pivoting handle that creates relative motionbetween the end effectors and the tubular member. The distal end portionmay receive an end of the tubular member or a portion of the tubularmember. The distal end portion of the handpiece may remain outside ofthe cannula or trocar. The distal end portion of the handpiece mayconnect the operable mechanism, the actuator, or both to the endeffector so that the end effector can be actuated.

The one or more end effectors function to assist a user in performing asurgical procedure. The end effectors may include a plurality of arms,jaws, or both. The end effectors may grip, cut, or both an object ortissue. The end effector may vary from procedure to procedure. The endeffector may be scissors, forceps, a multi-arm forceps, or a combinationthereof. The end effector may have jaws at the distal end of the tubethat are open in their neutral state (e.g., in a first position) and canbe closed to grasp tissue by the user (e.g., when moved to a secondposition). The end effector may include a pivot so that the arms of theend of the effector extend in opposing directions and rotate about thepivot. The arms may rotate toward each other about the pivot when thearms are moving from the first position to the second position. The oneor more end effectors may include one or more clamming surfaces. Each ofthe arms preferably include a single clamming surface. The cammingsurface may be a surface that contacts the tubular member when the endeffector is changed from a first position to a second position. Thecamming surfaces may be a raised surface on an arm. The camming surfacesmay be a portion of the arm that contacts the flare, the distal end, therestriction region, or a combination thereof. The camming surfaces maybe contacted when the end effector is moved by an operable mechanism. Ajaw actuation mechanism (e.g., operable mechanism) may advance the tubedistally. The actuator has a first position and a second position. Theactuator may drive an operable mechanism that may open and close the endeffector arms. When the actuator is in the first actuator position theoperable mechanism may drive the tubular section proximal relative tothe end effector arms, may drive the end effector arms distal relativeto the tubular member, or both. The distal end of the tubular member maymove proximal relative to the end effectors.

The jaws of the end effector may have laterally extending sections thatare wider than the mouth of the tube. When in the open state, the one ormore arms of the end effector may extend wider than the distal openingof the tubular member. As the tubular member is advanced, the tubularmember may gather the one or more arms of the end effector and force thearms towards each other, thereby closing the jaws. When the plurality ofarms are closed the plurality of arms are brought into opposition witheach other (i.e., are moved directly towards each other (e.g., likescissors about a pivot or like forceps that move in a same direction asforces on the forceps arms)). To open the end effector the user mayrelax the grip on the clamp lever and a spring (e.g., operablemechanism) may drive the jaw actuation mechanism towards its neutralposition (e.g., first position) or an operable member may advance theend effector relative to the tubular member. As the tube is retracted orthe end effector is advanced, the resilient nature of the arms may biasthe arms of the end effector to return to their neutral, open state(e.g., first position).

The end effector may be comprised of a plurality of arms. The surgicaldevice may be a forceps, an electrosurgical forceps, scissors, or othersurgical device. The end effector may be configured to be drawn into thedistal opening of the tubular member, or the tubular member may beconfigured to be extended to overrun the proximal portion of the endeffector, so that one, more than one, or all of arms of the end effectormay be driven from an open position, wide enough to grasp or approximatetissue, towards a closed position or into opposition with one or more ofthe other arms. The closed position (e.g., second position) may be aposition where tissue is grasped, as in a forceps, or for cuttingtissue, as in a scissors. There may be an actuator, or mechanism, in thehandpiece to produce the relative motion between the tubular member andthe end effector. The tubular member may terminate at its distal end ata distal interior edge and a distal exterior edge and the end effectormay contact the tubular member at the distal interior edge or the distalexterior edge. A flare may be located at the distal end that assists inoperating the end effector.

The flare in the distal interior section is, in general, configured suchthat when the end effector arms are drawn into the tube the cammingsurfaces on the arms contact the distal interior surface and not thedistal interior edge. The flare may extend straight away from alongitudinal axis extending through the tubular member. The flare mayinclude a conical surface that curves towards the longitudinal axis asthe flare extends in the distal direction. The flare may include aconcave portion, a convex portion, a straight portion, or a combinationthereof. The flare may be linear. For example, the flare may have acylindrical shape. In another example the flare may extend straight froman inflection point. The flare may be a curve. The flare may be smallerthan the proximal section, second central section, first centralsection, or a combination thereof of the tubular member. The flare maybe larger than the proximal section, second central section, firstcentral section, or a combination thereof of the tubular member. Theflare may have a concave portion and a convex portion. The flare or acurve of the flare may begin at an inflection point (e.g., a point wherethe slope of a wall changes). The curvature of the flare may be relativeto a line that extends tangential to a point along the flare, a distalsection, or both.

A degree of the curvature of the flare may be measured from a linetangent to a point along a curve of the flare. For example, a tangentline may extend thought a point of the curve and an angle of the tangentline may be measured relative to the longitudinal axis. The tangent linemay extend through a center or midpoint of the curve. The tangent linemay extend through a midpoint of a distal section wall. Preferably, thetangent line may extend through a midpoint of a curve of the distalsection wall. The distal section wall may include one or more curves andthus may include one or more tangent lines. For example, the distalsection wall may include a concave curve (e.g., outward curvature) and aconvex curve (e.g., inward curvature) separated by an inflection pointand each of the concave curve and the convex curve may have a tangentline with an angle relative to the longitudinal axis. A tangent line mayextend through the distal interior edge, distal exterior edge, or both.The tangent line that extends through the distal interior edge, thedistal exterior edge, or both may determine how a terminal end (e.g.,distal end) extends. For example, the angle of the tangent line thatextends through the distal interior edge, the distal exterior edge, orboth determines the amount of flare at the end of the tubular member.The angle of the tangent line through the curve, the distal interioredge, the interior edge, or a combination thereof may have an angle ofabout 10 degrees or more, about 25 degrees or more, about 40 degrees ormore, or even about 50 degrees or more. The angle of the tangent linethrough the curve, the distal interior edge, the interior edge, or acombination thereof may have an angle of about 85 degrees or less, about75 degrees or less, or about 65 degrees or less. The curve may have aninward curvature (e.g., the curve extends from the internal walloutward) or the curve may be an outward curvature (e.g., the curveextends from the outward or external wall inward). When the wall has anexternal curvature then a line tangent to the distal interior edge mayhave the largest angle. For example, when the wall has an externalcurvature as the wall extends distal the wall may continually extendaway from the longitudinal axis. The angle of the tangent line throughthe curve may be greater than the angle of the tangent line though thedistal interior edge, the distal exterior edge or both. The angle of thetangent line through the curve may be less than the angle of the tangentline though the distal interior edge, the distal exterior edge or both.The angle of the tangent line through the curve may have a difference inangle of about 2 degrees or more, 5 degrees or more, or about 7 degreesor more relative to the tangent line though the distal interior edge,the distal exterior edge or both. The angle of the tangent line throughthe curve may have a difference in angle of about 25 degrees or less, 15degrees or less, or about 10 degrees or less. The flare may be locatedat the distal end of the tubular member and may assist in expanding andretracting an end effector. The flare may be a portion of a wall of thetubular member and the flare may be located in a distal end region ofthe tubular member. The flare may be located proximate to a restrictionregion.

The tubular member may function to allow one or more end effectors toextend to a location of interest. The tubular member may open an endeffector, close an end effector, or both. The tubular member may includea proximal section, distal end, second central section, proximalopening, central opening, first central section, distal section, distalopening, or a combination thereof. Each of the proximal section, distalend, second central section, proximal opening, central opening, firstcentral section, distal section, distal opening, or a combinationthereof may include a substantially uniform wall thickness (e.g., eachof the wall sections may vary in thickness by less than 1 mm, preferablyless than 0.1 mm). Each of the proximal section, distal end, secondcentral section, proximal opening, central opening, first centralsection, distal section, distal opening, or a combination thereof may beformed of a single piece of material so that the tubular member is onesolid unitary piece. Each of the sections may be formed in a solidtubular member.

The proximal section may extend from the handpiece. The proximal sectionmay function to connect a tubular member to a handpiece. The proximalsection may extend from a proximal end towards a distal end. Theproximal section may extend to a restriction region. The proximalsection may connect to a second central section. The proximal sectionmay have a uniform wall thickness, uniform diameter, or both along alength of the proximal section. The proximal section may be a longestsection of the tubular member. The proximal section may extend towardsthe distal end and into contact with the second central section or afirst central section.

The second central section may function to taper the proximal section.The second central section may have diameter that is less than theproximal section. The second central section may have a diameter (e.g.,a fourth diameter) that is different than the proximal section. Thesecond central section may extend towards a longitudinal axis. Thesecond central section may taper to an in inflection point. The secondcentral section may extend to a distal end, a distal section, a firstcentral section, or a combination thereof.

The first central section may function to a restrictive portion of thetubular member. The first central section may be a center of therestriction region. The first central section may extend parallel to thelongitudinal axis. The first central section may have a wall thatextends parallel to the proximal section. The first central section mayterminate the taper of the second central section. The first centralsection may have a smallest diameter (e.g., third diameter) of thetubular member. The first central section may be located between thesecond central section and the distal section.

The distal section may function to terminate the tubular member. Thedistal section may include a flare. The distal section may extendoutward from the longitudinal axis. The distal section may include oneor more curves as discussed herein. The distal section may extendoutward from the first central section. The distal section may includean outward curvature, an inward curvature, or both. The distal sectionmay include any of the teachings herein as to the flare. The distalsection includes a diameter. The diameter of the distal section may bemore than the second central wall, the first central section wall, theproximate section wall, or a combination thereof. The diameter (e.g.,first diameter) may be less than the second central wall, the proximatesection wall, or both. The diameter may be measured from an interiorwall (e.g., first diameter) or from an exterior wall (e.g., seconddiameter). The distal section may terminate at a distal end of thetubular member. The tubular member includes a one or more openings andpreferably a plurality of openings through the sections of the tubularmember.

The proximal opening functions to permit an end effector to be connectedwith an actuator of the surgical device. The proximal opening may be abeginning or a lumen. The proximal opening may be located within thesurgical device. The proximal opening may be connected to a centralopening and a distal opening along a longitudinal axis of the tubularmember. The proximal opening may be located at the proximal end or in aproximal end region. The proximal opening may and the central openingmay be located adjacent.

The central opening may function to restrict an end effector. Thecentral opening may be located at a distal end or in a distal endregion. The central opening may be located within a restriction region.The central opening may be the opening that passes through therestriction region. The central opening may be located in the firstcentral lumen portion, the first central section, within a first centralexterior surface, or a combination thereof. The central opening mayallow an end effector to pass out of the lumen and restrict a lumenbeing retracted into the lumen. The central opening may have a circularcross-section. The central opening may have a smallest diameter of thelumen within the tubular member. The central opening may have a smallestdiameter of any of the cross-sections of the proximal interior surface.The central opening may be located proximate to the flare. The centralopening may be located between the distal opening and the proximalopening. The central opening may be located adjacent to the distalopening.

The distal opening may have multiple increasing diameters. The distalopening may function to narrow as the distal opening extends proximallyso that an end effector is restricted. The distal opening may have agradually decreasing diameter as the distal opening extends proximally.Conversely, the distal opening may have a gradually increasing diameteras the distal opening extends distally. The distal openings may restrictthe end effector when the end effector and the tubular member are movedtoward each other. The distal opening may be located at a distal end ofthe tubular member. The distal opening, central opening, and theproximal opening may be located along the longitudinal axis.

The longitudinal axis may extend through a center of the tubular member,the lumen, or both. The longitudinal axis may extend from the distal endto the proximal end. The longitudinal axis may extend through a centerof the tubular member despite changes in diameter of the tubular memberalong a length of the tubular member.

The tubular member may be a shaft that extends from the distal end ofthe handpiece. The shaft may be a wall. The tubular member may functionto guide an end effector to a location of interest. The tubular membermay function to protect an end effector during use. The tubular membermay function to facilitate a contraction of an end effector (e.g.,gripping or cutting). The wall of the tubular member may be onecontinuous piece that may include one or more and preferably a pluralityof sections. The plurality of sections may all be part of a single wall.The wall may have a substantially uniform thickness along an entirelength of the wall (e.g., the wall may vary in thickness by less than 1mm, preferably less than 0.1 mm). The tubular member or the wall of thetubular member may comprise a proximal section wall, a distal sectionwall, a first central section wall located between the proximal sectionwall and the distal section wall, a second central section wall locatedbetween the proximal section wall and the first central section wall, ora combination thereof.

The proximal section wall may function to connect the tubular member tothe handpiece of the surgical device. The proximal wall section may havea portion that extends into the handpiece and a portion that extends outof the handpiece. The proximal wall section may define a majority of thetubular member (e.g., 50 percent or more, about 60 percent or more,about 70 percent or more, or even about 90 percent or more of thetubular member along a length of the tubular member). The proximalsection may have a continuous diameter from the handpiece to the secondcentral section wall.

The second central section wall functions to change a diameter of thetubular member relative to the proximal section wall, the first centralwall, the distal section wall, or a combination thereof. The secondcentral section wall may be located between the proximal section walland the second central section wall. The second central wall may becylindrical or conical. The second central wall may be straight, linear,curved, concave, convex, or a combination thereof when viewed in thecross section. The second central wall may have decrease the diameter asthe second central wall extends distally, towards the first centralwall, or both. The second central wall may begin the restriction regionwhen facing in a distal direction. The second central wall maytransition from the proximal section to the first central section wall.

The first central section wall may function to restrict an end effector.The first central section may have a smallest diameter of any section.The first central section may have a constant diameter. The firstcentral section wall may be located between the second distal sectionwall and the distal section wall. The first central section wall may becylindrical. The first central section wall may be a central part of therestriction region. For example, the first central section wall may formabout 25 percent or more, about 40 percent or more, or about 50 percentor more of the restriction region by length. The first central sectionmay connect to the distal section wall.

The distal section wall may be a wall that has the flare as is discussedherein. The distal section wall may have a diameter that varies as thewall extends distally. The distal section wall may contact the endeffector when the tubular member and the end effector are moved relativeto each other. The distal section wall may restrict the end effector sothat the end effector moves from an open state to a closed state. Thedistal section wall may curve outward from the first central sectionwall. The distal section wall may be conical, cylindrical, include oneor more curved sections, or a combination thereof. The distal sectionwall may include one or more concave curves, one or more convex curves,or both. The distal section wall may include one or more inflectionpoints that change a slope, shape, or both of the distal section wall.The distal section wall may be straight, linear, curved, concave,convex, or a combination thereof when viewed in the cross section. Thedistal section wall includes an interior surface and an exteriorsurface.

The distal exterior surface and the distal interior surface function todefine the outside of the wall and the wall thickness. The distalexterior surface and the distal interior surface may be parallelsubstantially along their length. The distal exterior surface, thedistal interior surface, or both may include one or more chamfers, oneor more fillets, one or more rounded portions, or a combination thereof.The distal exterior surface, the distal interior surface, or both may befree of chamfers, fillets, or both. The distal exterior surface and thedistal interior surface may diverge at least along a portion of thedistal exterior surface and the distal interior surface. The distalexterior surface and the distal interior surface may converge at leastalong a portion of the distal exterior surface and the distal interiorsurface. The distal interior surface may transition smoothly (e.g., freeof sharp breaks or angles (i.e., a curve) from the first centralinterior surface to the distal interior edge. The distal interiorsurfaced may transition smoothly from the first diameter to the thirddiameter. The distal exterior surface and the distal interior surfacemay terminate at a distal exterior edge or a distal interior edgerespectively.

The distal exterior edge, the distal interior edge, or both may functionto be a terminal end of the tubular member. The distal exterior edge,the distal interior edge may be circular. The distal exterior edge, thedistal interior edge may include one or more chamfers, one or morefillets, or both. The distal exterior edge, the distal interior edge maybe separated by a thickness of the wall. The distal exterior edge andthe distal interior edge may be at one end of the tubular member and theproximal section exterior surface and the proximal section interiorsurfaces may be located at opposing ends of the tubular member.

The proximal section exterior surface and the proximal section interiorsurface may extend generally parallel, determine a wall thickness, orboth. Similarly all of the exterior surfaces and the interior surfacesmay extend generally parallel to each other. The interior surfaces andthe exterior surfaces may determine a diameter of the tubular member ata specific location. For example, the diameter of the lumen may bemeasured from an interior surface to an interior surface and a diameterof the tubular member may be measured from an exterior surface to anexterior surface.

The tubular member may be a hollow tube having an interior surface andan exterior surface and a wall, or tube wall, extending between theinterior surface and the exterior surface. The interior surface of thetube, the exterior surface of the tube and the tube wall may haveportions that correspond to the proximal section, distal section, firstcentral section, and second central section of the tubular member. Theremay be a proximal tube wall in the proximal section of the tubularmember or about the proximal lumen portion. There may be a distal tubewall in the distal section of the tubular member or about the distallumen portion. There may be a first central tube wall in the firstcentral section of the tubular member or about the first central lumenportion. There may be a second central tube wall in the second centralsection of the tubular member or about the second central lumen portion.

The tubular member may include a lumen that extends through the tubularmember. The lumen may function to permit the end effector to extend fromthe proximal end and the distal end. The lumen may have a plurality ofportions. The lumen may have portions corresponding to the section ofthe tubular member. Specifically, the lumen may have a proximal lumenportion, a distal lumen portion, a first central lumen portion betweenthe proximal lumen portion and the distal lumen portion, a secondcentral lumen portion between the proximal lumen portion and the firstcentral lumen portion, or a combination thereof.

The tubular member may be axisymmetric meaning that the interior surfaceand exterior surface are defined by circular cross-sections centered onthe longitudinal axis of the tubular member. The interior surfacecross-section and exterior surface cross-section may be concentric,(i.e., have the same center). Each section of the tubular member may beaxisymmetric. The entire lumen or any portion of the lumen may beaxisymmetric. Different cross-sections of the interior surface (andthereby lumen) or exterior surface may have circular cross-sections ofdifferent diameters.

The tubular member may be a straight tube with a centrally extendinglinear axis and an axisymmetric exterior surface and axisymmetricinterior surface that defies an axisymmetric central lumen. The proximalsection of the tube may have a cylindrical interior surface (proximallumen portion) and a uniform wall thickness; and thereby a cylindricalexterior surface. The proximal section of the tubular member may be acylinder and the first central section of the tubular member may benecked down to a smaller diameter, and the distal section of the tubularmember flared outwardly. The distal portion of the lumen may divergeaway from the first central portion of the lumen, or from thelongitudinal axis, in a distal direction. The second central lumenportion may diverge away from the first central portion of the lumen, orfrom the longitudinal axis, in a proximal direction.

The distal interior surface may be conical. A cone is a surface producedby revolving a line about a coplanar and non-parallel axis. A cone is anaxisymmetric surface that does not have curvature along its length. Thedistal interior surface may have outward curvature. That is the distalinterior surface may diverge from the central axis faster, or at asteeper angle, at the distal end of the distal interior surface than itdoes a more proximal position of the distal interior surface. The anglebetween the central axis and a tangent to the distal interior surface atthe distal end of the tube may be greater than the angle between thecentral axis and a tangent to the distal interior surface at a pointproximal from the distal end of the tube. The distal interior surfacemay have inward curvature. That is the distal interior surface maydiverge from the central axis more slowly, or with a shallower angle,towards its distal end than at a position that is proximal to the distalend. The angle between the central axis and a tangent to the distalinterior surface at the distal end of the tube may be less than theangle between the central axis and a tangent to the distal interiorsurface at a point proximal from the distal end of the tube. The distalinterior surface may have both portions with outward curvature andportions with inward curvature. There may be a curvature inflectionpoint between portions with different curvature. The distal interioredge may be chamfered or it may be free of chamfers. Surfaces that haveare smooth and have outward curvature may include a circular toroid or atoroidal toroid. The distal interior surface may transition smoothly(i.e. without discontinuities) along its length from the first centralinterior surface to the distal interior edge. The distal interiorsurface may include a fillet surfaces that transition withoutdiscontinuities to the first central interior surface.

The conical distal interior surface may be the flare. The conical distalinterior surface may extend outward relative to a longitudinal axis asthe conical distal interior surface extends distally. The conical distalinterior surface may be the same as the distal interior surface but witha curvature. The conical distal interior surface may curve outward(i.e., outwardly curved distal interior surface), inward (i.e., inwardlycurved distal interior surface), or both. When an outwardly curvedinterior surface and an inwardly curved interior surface are presentthey are separated by an inflection point (e.g., a curvature inflectionpoint). The outwardly curved interior surface may be a surface where thewall bows inward towards the longitudinal axis. The outwardly curvedinterior surface may be in the distal end region, within the flare, orboth. The outwardly curved interior surface may change slope from aninflection point so that the curve of the wall extends inward towardsthe longitudinal axis. The inwardly curved interior surface may be asurface where the wall bows outward away from the longitudinal axis. Theinwardly curved interior surface may be in the distal end region, withinthe flare, or both. The inwardly curved interior surface may changeslope from an inflection point so that the curve of the wall extendsoutward away from the longitudinal axis.

The first central section of the tubular member may have a cylindricalinterior surface, or first central lumen portion, and a uniform wallthickness. Both of the first central lumen portion and the proximallumen portion may be cylinders, with the first central portion having asmaller diameter than the proximal portion. The two cylinders may becoaxial. The second central lumen portion may be a surface that providesa smooth transition (i.e. without discontinuities) from the firstcentral lumen portion to the proximal lumen portion. The second centralinterior surface may include fillet surfaces that transition withoutdiscontinuities to the first central interior surface and/or theproximal interior surface.

The first central interior surface, or first central lumen portion may,have a narrowest section, or central opening, that has a cross-section(e.g., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) with an area smaller thanthe area of any cross-sections of the distal interior surface, the areaof any cross-section of the second interior surface, and the area of anycross-sections of the proximal interior surface. The first centralinterior surface the distal interior surface, the second centralinterior surface, and the proximal interior surface may be axisymmetric,so the cross-sectional areas may correlate to diameters. The distalinterior edge may be a circle. Therefore, the central opening may have adiameter smaller than the diameter of any cross-sections of the distalinterior surface (including the distal interior edge), the secondinterior surface, and the proximal interior surface.

The first central lumen portion may be axisymmetric. The distal lumenportion may be axisymmetric and may extend distally from the distal endof the first central lumen portion; the distal lumen portion may divergeaway from the central axis such that the cross section of the distallumen portion has a greater diameter than the first central lumenportion, or the narrowest portion (central opening) of the first centrallumen portion. The distal interior surface, or distal lumen portion, mayterminate at a distal end of the tubular member at a distal interioredge. The second central lumen portion may be axisymmetric and mayextend proximally from the proximal end of the first central lumenportion; the second central lumen portion may diverge away from thecentral axis in a proximal direction such that the cross section of thedistal portion of the lumen has a greater diameter than the narrowestportion of the first central portion of the lumen. The proximal lumenportion may extend proximally from the proximal end of the secondcentral lumen portion. The proximal lumen portion may be a cylinder witha diameter greater than either, or both of, the first central lumenportion (or its narrowest cross-section) and distal interior edge.

The surgical device may have a tubular member that extends from thedistal end of the handpiece. The tubular member may have a proximalsection, a distal section, a first central section and a distal end. Atthe distal end of the tube there may be distal interior edge and adistal exterior edge. The tubular member may be axisymmetric so that thedistal interior edge and distal exterior edge are circular with firstand second diameters, respectively. The first central section may have afirst central interior surface with a third diameter. The proximalsection may have a proximal section exterior surface that is a cylinderwith a fourth diameter. The first diameter may be greater than the thirddiameters; i.e. the distal interior surface is flared outwardly, and thefourth diameter may be greater than the second diameter; i.e. theproximal exterior surface is wider than the distal end of the tube. Thetube may have a uniform wall thickness along the first central section,of along the entire length of the tube.

The tubular member may comprise a proximal section with a tubularcylindrical cross-section. The first central section may be necked downso that the distal interior surface may be flared without resulting inthe distal exterior edge being greater in diameter than the proximalexterior surface. The distal exterior edge may be chamfered or it may befree of chamfers.

The distal interior edge may have a chamfer. The chamfer on the distalinterior edge may remove a sharp edge that could otherwise score or cutthe end effector arm, or deteriorate the distal end of the tube. Thedistal exterior edge may have a chamfer. The chamfer on the distalexterior edge may remove a sharp edge that could otherwise score or cutthe user or patient tissue. Alternatively the chamfer on the distalexterior edge may reduce the diameter of the distal exterior edge toprovide clearance with the surgical cannula.

The distal end may be planar. The distal end may be non-planar. Thedistal end may be planar and non-perpendicular with respect to thelongitudinal axis. In any case, the distal interior surface divergesaway from the longitudinal axis in a distal direction at the distalinterior edge.

The tubular member may have a uniform wall thickness about the firstcentral lumen portion. The tubular member may have a uniform wallthickness about the first central lumen portion, as well as a uniformwall thickness of the same thickness about the distal lumen portion, thesecond central lumen portion, the proximal lumen portion, or anycombination thereof. Each of the tube wall sections may have a uniformwall thickness along its length. Any two or more of the tube wallsections may have the same uniform wall thicknesses along their lengths.All of the tube wall section may have the same uniform wall thicknessalong their lengths. The tubular member may have a uniform wallthickness along its entire length.

A tube of uniform wall thickness along its length may have the benefitof being fabricated relatively easily from a single integral portion ofextruded tube stock. The tubular member may be a single integral piece.A tubular member with an axisymmetric shape may have the benefit of notrequiring specific orientation with the handpiece or the mechanisms thatmay extend the length of the tube to connect the end effector tomechanisms in the handpiece. An axisymmetric tube may not require anyspecific orientation with a surgical cannula through which the tubularmember may be extended. The tubular member may be metal or plastic.

FIG. 1 illustrates a surgical device 10 including a handpiece 20 and atubular member 30. The handpiece 20 includes fixed handle 25 and anactuator 120 that is movable relative to the fixed handle 25. Thehandpiece 20 includes a proximal end portion 22 located proximate to thefixed handle 25 and a distal end portion 24 of the handpiece 20 connectsthe tubular member 30 to the handpiece 20. The tubular member 30includes a proximal section 32 that has a portion connected to thehandpiece 20 and a portion that extends distally and connects to asecond central section 34. The second central section 34 forms atransition between the proximal section 32 and the first central section36. The first central section 36 connects the second central section 34and the distal section 38 of the tube together. The distal section 38extends distally and terminates at a distal opening 39 through which anend effector 100 extends out of the tubular member 30. The distalsection 38 includes a flare 40 that extends outward relative to thefirst central section 36 that forms a restriction region 42 whichassists in moving the end effector 100 between a first position and asecond position. The end effector 100 as shown is forceps 102. The endeffector 100 includes a first arm 110 a and a second arm 110 b. Each ofthe arms 110 a, 110 b include a camming surface 112. The first arm 110 aand the second arm 110 b are shown in the first position 114 where thecamming surface 112 is not being acted upon by the distal section 38 ofthe tubular member 30 so that the first working arm 110 a and the secondworking arm 110 b are spaced apart.

FIG. 1A illustrates the surgical device 10 with the actuator 120 movedin the handle opening direction 161. When the actuator 120 is in thefirst position the operable mechanism is in the first position and thetubular member 30 and the end effector (not shown) are moved relative toeach other so that the end effector is open.

FIG. 2 illustrates the surgical device 10 with the handpiece 20 and thetubular member 30 connected together. The handpiece 20 includes anactuator 120 that is connected to the end effector 100. When theactuator 120 is moved in the handle closing direction 151 towards thefixed handle 25, the end effector 100 and the tubular member 30 aremoved relative in an contact direction (e.g., the tube may move (i.e.,tubular contact direction 152 b), the end effector may move (i.e., endeffector contact direction 152 a), or both) towards each other so thatthe camming surfaces 112 of the first working arm 110 a and the secondworking arm 110 b contact the distal opening 39 of the tubular member30. During contact the camming surfaces 12 partially enter the flare 40and then are restricted by the restriction region 42 so that the firstworking arm 110 a and the second working arm 110 b move toward eachother in the effector closure direction 153 to a second position 116.Upon release of the actuator 120 the actuator moves in the handleopening direction 161 so that the tubular member 30 and the end effector100 move relative to each other (e.g., the tube may move (i.e., tubularopening direction 162 b), the end effector may move (i.e., end effectoropening direction 162 a), or both) so that the first arm 110 a and thesecond arm 110 b move apart in the direction 163.

FIG. 2A illustrates the surgical device 10 with the actuator 120 movedin the handle closing direction 151. When the actuator 120 is in thesecond position the operable mechanism is in the second position and thetubular member 30 and the end effector (not shown) are moved relative toeach other so that the end effector is closed.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a tubular member 30connected to the handpiece 20. The tubular member extends in a distaldirection 200 and a proximal portion 202. A proximal end 37 of thetubular member 30 extends into the handpiece 20 to form a connectiontherebetween. The proximal end 37 includes a proximal opening 35 thatbegins a lumen 50 that extends the full length of the tubular member 30along the longitudinal axis 41 and terminates at the distal end 33. Thetubular member 30 includes a wall 131 with a wall thickness that issubstantially uniform along an entire length of the tubular member 30.The wall 131 includes a proximal section wall 132 that adjoins with asecond central section wall 134 that angles the proximal section wall132 to the first central section wall 136. The first central wallsection 136 is connected to a distal wall section 138 that anglesoutward creating a flare 40. The first central wall 136 forms arestriction region 42 between the distal section wall 138 and the secondcentral wall section 134. Each of the sections of the wall 131correspond to a related section of the lumen 50. The lumen 50 includes aproximal lumen portion 52 that extends partially into the handpiece 20and distally to a second central lumen portion 54. The second centrallumen portion 54 is connected to a first central lumen portion 56 thatextends through the restriction region 42. The first central lumenportion 56 connects to the distal lumen portion 58 that is locatedwithin the flare 40 at the distal opening 39 of the tubular member 30.The tubular member 30 includes a plurality of interior and exteriorsurface that define the tubular member 30 and the lumen 50 within thetubular member. The proximal section wall 132 includes a proximalexterior surface 62 and a proximal interior surface 82. The secondcentral section of the wall 134 includes a second central exteriorsurface 64 and a second central interior surface 84. The first centralsection wall 136 has a first central exterior surface 66 and a firstsection interior surface 86. The distal wall section 138 includes adistal exterior surface 68 and a distal interior surface 88. The wall131 at the distal end 33 includes a distal interior edge 71 and a distalexterior edge 73.

FIGS. 4a-4f illustrate various shapes and configurations of the distalend 33 of the tubular members 30 when viewed in in the cross-section.FIG. 4a shows the tubular members 30 with a central opening 74 and adistal wall section 138 that has a conical shaped distal interiorsurface 88 a, and a second central wall 134 that has a conical secondcentral interior 84. A flare 40 of the tubular member 30 extends outwardand beyond the proximal section 32.

FIG. 4b shows the tubular members 30 with a central opening 74 and adistal wall section 138 that has an outwardly curved distal interiorsurface 88 b.

FIG. 4c illustrates the changes in diameter of the tubular member 30. Adistal opening 33 of the tubular member 30 has a first diameter 91 thatextends between distal interior edges 71 as shown in the cross-section.The tubular member 30 has a third diameter 93 that extends betweendistal exterior edges 73 as shown in the cross-section. The tubular hasa second diameter 92 within the central opening 74 and a fourth diameter94 within the proximal section interior surface 82. The first centralinterior surface 86 in non-cylindrical.

FIG. 4d illustrates fillets 146 in the wall 131 at locations where theshape of the wall 131 change. A flare 40 of the tubular member 30 andthe proximal section 32 are substantially equal.

FIG. 4e illustrates a chamfer 147 in the distal exterior edge 73 thatextends from the distal exterior edge 73 towards the distal interioredge 71. A flare 40 of the tubular member 30 is smaller than theproximal section 32.

FIG. 4f illustrates a chamfer 147 in the distal interior edge 71 thatextends outward towards the distal exterior edge 73.

FIGS. 5a-5c illustrate various configurations for the distal sectionwall 138. FIG. 5a illustrates the distal section wall 138 having anoutward curvature 142 where the distal section wall 138 has an outwardlycurved distal interior surface 88 b. The outwardly curved distalinterior surface 88 b curves so that an angle of a line 148 tangent tothe distal interior edge is greater than an angle of a line 149 tangentto a midpoint of the curve of the distal section wall 138 when measuredrelative to the longitudinal axis 41.

FIG. 5b illustrates the distal section wall 138 having an inwardcurvature 144 so that the distal section wall 138 has an inwardly curveddistal interior surface 88 c. The inwardly curved distal interiorsurface 88C curves so that an angle of a line 148 tangent to the distalinterior edge is less than an angle of a line 149 tangent to a midpointof the curve of the distal section wall 138 when measured relative tothe longitudinal axis 41.

FIG. 5c illustrated the distal section wall 138 includes an outwardcurvature 142 and an inward curvature 144 separated by an inflectionpoint 145 where the curve of the distal section wall 138 changes.

FIG. 6 illustrates an end effector 100 extending from the tubular member30. The end effector 100 has a first arm 110 a and a second arm 110 bthat are connected at a pivot 118. The first arm 110 a and the secondarm 110 b outward from the pivot point 118 so that the first arm 110 aand the second arm 110 b extend outward and are a camming surface 112 aand 112 b respectively that causes the first arm 110 a and the secondarm 110 b to close upon contact with the tubular member 30. The endeffector 100 as shown is scissors 104.

FIG. 7 illustrates an end effector 100 in a first position 114 extendingfrom a tubular member 30. The end effector 100 includes a plurality ofarms and each arm includes a camming surface. As shown, the first arm110 a has a first camming surface 112 a, the second arm 110 b has asecond camming surface 112 b, the third arm 110 c has a third cammingsurface 112 c and the fourth arm 110 d has a fourth camming surface 112d.

Any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lowervalue to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that thereis a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and anyhigher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of acomponent or a value of a process variable such as, for example,temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to90,preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intendedthat values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc. areexpressly enumerated in this specification. For values which are lessthan one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 asappropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intendedand all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowestvalue and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to beexpressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and allnumbers between the endpoints. The use of “about” or “approximately” inconnection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, “about20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of atleast the specified endpoints.

The disclosures of all articles and references, including patentapplications and publications, are incorporated by reference for allpurposes. The term “consisting essentially of” to describe a combinationshall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified,and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do notmaterially affect the basic and novel characteristics of thecombination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” todescribe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or stepsherein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of theelements, ingredients, components or steps. By use of the term “may”herein, it is intended that any described attributes that “may” beincluded are optional.

Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by asingle integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively,a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might bedivided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps.The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient,component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements,ingredients, components or steps.

It is understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as manyapplications besides the examples provided will be apparent to those ofskill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of theteachings should, therefore, be determined not with reference to theabove description, but should instead be determined with reference tothe appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to whichsuch claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles andreferences, including patent applications and publications, areincorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in thefollowing claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosedherein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it beregarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to bepart of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

ELEMENTS

10 Surgical device

20 Handpiece

22 proximal end portion (of handpiece)

24 distal end portion (of handpiece)

25 fixed handle

30 tubular member

32 proximal section (of tube)

33 distal end (of tube)

34 second central section (of tube)

35 proximal opening (of tube)

36 first central section (of tube)

37 proximal end (of tube)

38 distal section (of tube)

39 distal opening (of tube)

40 flare

41 longitudinal axis (of tube)

42 Restriction region

50 Lumen

52 proximal lumen portion

54 second central lumen portion

56 first central lumen portion

58 distal lumen portion

62 proximal section exterior surface

64 Second central exterior surface

66 First central exterior surface

68 Distal exterior surface

71 distal interior edge

73 distal exterior edge

74 central opening

82 proximal interior surface

84 second central interior surface

86 first central interior surface

88 distal interior surface

88 a conical distal interior surface

88 b outwardly curved distal interior surface

88 c inwardly curved distal interior surface

91 first diameter (distal interior edge)

92 third diameter (central opening)

93 second diameter (distal exterior edge)

94 fourth diameter (proximal section exterior diameter)

100 end effector

102 forceps

104 scissors

110 a-d arms

112 camming surfaces (on the arms)

114 First position

116 Second position

118 pivot

120 Actuator

125 operable mechanism

131 wall (for tube)

132 proximal section wall

134 second central section wall

136 first central section wall

138 distal section wall

142 arrow (outward curvature)

144 arrow (inward curvature)

145 inflection point

146 Fillets

147 Chamfer

148 angle (tangent at distal interior edge)

149 angle (tangent at section proximal from distal interior edge)

151 handle closing direction

152 a end effector contact direction

152 b tubular contact direction

153 effector closure direction

161 handle opening direction

162 a End effector opening direction

162 b Tubular opening direction

163 arrow end effector opening movement

200 Distal direction

202 Proximal direction

We claim:
 1. A surgical device, comprising: 1) a handpiece having adistal end portion; 2) a tubular member extending from the distal endportion, the tubular member having a lumen therethrough, the lumencomprising: a) a proximal lumen portion, b) a distal lumen portion, c) afirst central lumen portion, and d) a second central lumen portion, thesecond central portion being located between the proximal lumen portionand the first central lumen portion, wherein the distal lumen portiondiverges as the distal lumen portion extends away from the first centrallumen portion in a distal direction, and the second central lumenportion diverges as the second central lumen portion extends away fromthe first central lumen portion in a proximal direction and; wherein thetubular member has wall with a substantially uniform thickness about thefirst central lumen portion.
 2. The surgical device of claim 1, whereinthe tubular member has a wall with a substantially uniform thicknessabout the distal lumen portion, the first central lumen portion, and thesecond central lumen portion.
 3. The surgical device of claim 1, whereinthe tubular member has a wall with a substantially uniform thicknessabout distal lumen portion, the first central lumen portion, the secondcentral lumen portion, and the proximal lumen portion.
 4. The surgicaldevice of claim 1, wherein the lumen is axisymmetric about alongitudinal axis of the tubular member.
 5. The surgical device of claim4, wherein the first central lumen section is a cylinder.
 6. Thesurgical device of claim 3, wherein the tubular member is an integralpiece,
 7. The surgical device of claim 4, wherein the proximal lumenportion is a cylinder, wherein the distal lumen portion terminates at adistal interior edge; and wherein a diameter of the distal inner edge isless than a diameter of the proximal lumen portion.
 8. The surgicaldevice of claim 1, wherein the tubular member further comprises a distalend, and wherein the surgical device further comprises: an end effectormounted within the lumen and partially extending from the distal end ofthe tubular member, the end effector comprising a plurality of arms,wherein at least one of the plurality of arms is movable from a firstposition where the plurality of arms are disposed in spaced relationrelative to each other to a second position where the plurality of armsare brought into opposition with each other; and an actuator foractuating movement of the at least one of the plurality of arms of theend effector between the first position and the second position.
 9. Thesurgical device of claims 8, wherein the plurality of arms comprises apair of arms.
 10. The surgical device of claim 8, wherein the surgicaldevice is a laparoscopic surgical device.
 11. A surgical devicecomprising: (1) a handpiece including a distal end portion; (2) atubular member protruding from the distal end portion of the handpiece,the tubular member having: (a) a longitudinal axis, (b) a distal end;(c) a wall having a uniform wall thickness; and (d) a lumen; the lumenbeing axisymmetric and the lumen comprising: (A) a proximal interiorsurface, (B) a distal interior surface terminating at a distal interioredge; (C) a first central interior surface positioned between theproximal interior surface and the distal interior surface, and whereindistal interior surface at the distal interior edge converges towardsthe longitudinal axis as the distal interior surface extends in aproximal direction, and the first central interior surface has a centralopening having a cross-section with an area that is smaller than an areaof any cross-sections of the distal interior surface and smaller than anarea of any cross-section of the proximal interior surface.
 12. Thesurgical device of claim 11, wherein the distal interior surface has anoutward curvature at the distal interior edge.
 13. The surgical deviceof claim 11, wherein the distal interior surface is conical at thedistal interior edge.
 14. The surgical device of claim 11, wherein thelumen further comprises a second central interior surface that islocated between the first central interior surface and the proximalinterior surface, and wherein the central opening has a cross-sectionwith an area that is smaller than an area of any cross-sections of thesecond central interior surface.
 15. The surgical device of claim 11,wherein the distal interior edge is a circle and the proximal interiorsurface is a cylinder and the diameter of the distal interior edge isless than the diameter of the proximal interior surface.
 16. Thesurgical device of claim 11, further comprising: an end effectordisposed within the lumen and partially protruding from the tubularmember distal end, the end effector comprising: a plurality of arms, atleast one of the arms being movable relative to the other arms from afirst position wherein the arms are disposed in spaced relation relativeto each other to a second position wherein the arms are brought intoopposition with each other, and the end effector and the tubular memberare movable relative to each other in a direction parallel to thelongitudinal axis; an operable mechanism for creating relative motionbetween the end effector and the tubular member along a directionparallel to the longitudinal axis; wherein proximal movement of the endeffector with respect to the tubular member draws the one or more armsinto contact with the distal interior surface to impart movement of theat least one of the arms from the first position towards the secondposition.
 17. The surgical device of claim 16, wherein the distalinterior edge is free of chamfers.
 18. A surgical device comprising: (1)a handpiece having a distal end portion; (2) a tubular member protrudingfrom the distal end portion of the handpiece, the tubular membercomprising: (a) a proximal section, (b) a distal section, (c) a firstcentral section located between the proximal section and the distalsection, and (d) a distal end, the distal end of the tubular memberhaving a distal interior edge with a first diameter, and distal exterioredge with a second diameter; the first central section having a firstcentral interior surface with a third diameter; and the proximal sectionhaving an proximal section exterior surface, the proximal sectionexterior surface being a cylinder having a fourth diameter; wherein thefirst diameter is greater than the third diameter, and the fourthdiameter is greater to the second diameter.
 19. The surgical device ofclaim 18, wherein the tubular member has a wall with a substantiallyuniform wall thickness in the first central section.
 20. The surgicaldevice of claim 18, wherein the tubular member has a wall with asubstantially uniform wall thickness for an entire length of the tubularmember.